BILL UTZ AND CHIP SHERMAN NAMED CHIEFS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES OF THE WEEK

Each state’s winner is selected in collaboration with Time Warner Cable’s Metro Sports. Time Warner Cable is the official video provider of the Chiefs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs have announced the latest recipients of the Missouri and Kansas High School Coach of the Week awards. Platte County’s (Missouri) Bill Utz and Shawnee Mission East’s (Kansas) Chip Sherman each received this honor after a strong performance by their respective teams last week.

As a result, both schools will receive a $500 grant towards player health and safety equipment and/or education. Additionally, Utz and Sherman will be presented with congratulatory footballs autographed by Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel and a certificate recognizing their selection in addition to a special-edition Chiefs Coach of the Week hat. Each coach is now a finalist for their respective state’s Chiefs High School Coach of the Year Award, which will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season.

Coach Utz receives the award as a result of Platte County’s remarkable second-half comeback against Kearney High. Down 27-7 in the third quarter, Coach Utz never allowed his team to surrender or succumb to self-doubt. After scoring 21 unanswered points, the Pirates of Platt County won 28-27. The upset victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that the Bulldogs, who entered the game ranked No. 15 in Metro Sports Super 25 poll, had twice registered come-from-behind victories against Platte County in 2011, including a season-ending loss for the Pirates in the Class 4 playoffs. Coach Utz and his team are now 4-1 on the year and will travel to take on Kansas City North this week.

Coach Sherman, who garnered the Chiefs 2010 Kansas High School Coach of the Year award, is being honored after his Shawnee Mission East Lancers defeated Olathe South 3-0. While both teams came into the game with potent offenses, defense was the theme of the night in this rare low-scoring contest. The game was a clash of two of the area’s top programs; Olathe South entered the game ranked No. 2 in Metro Sports Super 25 poll, while Shawnee Mission East was ranked No. 7. Coach Sherman, who previously compiled a record of 191-37 during a 20-year run at the helm of Platte County, and his 4-0 Lancers will aim to continue their undefeated season this week when they travel to Olathe East.

The 2012 High School Coach of the Week program is a joint initiative of the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. The program is designed to recognize and reward Kansas City area high school coaches who have created successful programs for teams and players both on and off of the playing field. This includes coaches that champion philosophies which advance and promote player health and safety.

Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame linebacker and current Director of Special Events Gary Spani will be on hand each week for a special presentation to honor the recipients at their respective schools.

Each state’s winner is selected in collaboration with Time Warner Cable’s Metro Sports. Time Warner Cable is the official video provider of the Chiefs.